‘Well Worth The Effort’

Yarn For Ewe Relocates To Randolph

March 16, 2014

RANDOLPH - The Randolph business community grew recently, as "Yarn For Ewe" relocated to 133 Main St.

The yarn shop moved from Route 394 in Kennedy to its new location in January.

"Never move a yarn shop during a polar vortex," said Diane Valvo, who co-owns the shop with her daughter, Mary V. Heyl, who is an English professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and an expert knitter. "It was quite an adventure, but has proven to be well worth the effort. The shop was doing well in Kennedy, but the Randolph Area Community Development Corp. inquired if we might be interested in coming to Randolph. When a location became available, we decided to make the move. Our main customer base has followed us, we have increased foot traffic now, and new customers from the Salamanca and Olean areas have discovered us. It was a good decision."

Article Photos

“Yarn For Ewe” co-owners Diane Valvo and daughter Mary V. Heyl are shown with some of their knitted items and unique yarns.

P-J photo by Sue Ann Fish

With more square footage, the shop has expanded its inventory, and is able to host more classes for area knitters and crocheters.

"Bonnie Mahoney, well-known knitting instructor, is teaching Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1-3 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. We're seeing some wonderful knitting and lots of improvement in our knitters," Valvo said. "Joan DeBolt also teaches a 'Knit With Joan' class on the second Saturday of each month. Knitters may bring works in progress with them, and Joan will help them if they are having problems with a pattern or a certain stitch. Nan Davis, of Conewango, is teaching our crochet classes Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m., with the possibility of adding a Saturday class."

Potential students may obtain more information by calling 267-2070.

Fact Box

"It was quite an adventure, but has proven to be well worth the effort. ... Our main customer base has followed us, we have increased foot traffic now, and new customers from the Salamanca and Olean areas have discovered us."

"You can also check us out on the Web at www.yarnforewe.biz, or like us on Facebook," Valvo added.

"Our knitters and crocheters are very generous people who donate their finished project to many area organizations and hospitals - chemo caps, hats and mittens for needy local kids, and caps and blankets for preemies and newborns at local hospitals," Heyl said.

The new location also has a kitchen area, and table and counter space, which will be the home of the newly added cafe, which features Stedman Corners coffees, teas and a selection of cookies, muffins and scones, with more items to be added to the menu shortly.

"People are drawn to the yarn crafts of spinning, knitting and crochet, because it makes them slow down in this crazy world of ours, that seems to spin out of control. Come in, relax a bit with some coffee and a goodie, and spend some time with us, " the owners said.